Karmutzen Range
Hankin Range
Franklin Range
Located in the north of Vancouver Island, the Bonanza Range is a small mountain range between the Tsitika River and the Nimpkish River. The 150 sq km (57.9 sq miles) area is a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges.
While approaching the Bonanza Range, you will experience a beautiful wilderness passing through the Tsitika River from Telegraph Cove and Bonanza Lake. The area is a paradise dotted with gorgeous lakes and tarns winding through alpine and subalpine mountain forests having spectacular views of incredible snow-capped mountains.
While ascending, you will be amazed by the area's natural beauty, passing tall and beautiful trees and up at the peaks, spectacular views of lakes, packed trees, and pillared mountains are awe-inspiring. A logging road is provided for experienced hikers treated as a route leading mountaineers to the magnificent mountains throughout the range.
The Bonanza Range is located north of Woss, between the Tsitika River and the Nimpkish River. The area offers a perfect experience of the beautiful wilderness and gorgeous lakes such as Ida Lake, Bonanza Lake, and Nimpkish Lake. Lakes to the south face of the range are Claud Elliot Lake and Klaklakama Lakes. Warm Lake is north of the range, and to the northwest are Thiemer Lake and Roselle Lake. Some beautiful lakes are also west of the range, such as Anutz Lake, Huson Lake, Welch Lake, and Victoria Lake. Two beautiful Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park and Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park are worthy of visiting with a breathtaking view of nature and a lake with plenty of activities to do.
Should you have time, take a visit to Claud Elliot Provincial Park and its nearby Ecological Park, Mt Elliot, to the range's ease face. The nearby communities and towns are Telegraph Cove and Port McNeill.
From Nanaimo:
The fastest route to get to the Bonanza Range from Nanaimo is BC-19 N. It is a 330 km (205 miles) route and takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.
Take Third St to BC-19 N. After 3.3 km (2 miles) turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive for 302 km (187.6 miles) and continue on Upper Steel Rd to your destination in Garden Bay. After 25.1 km (15.5 miles), you will reach Bonanza Peak.
From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to the Bonanza Range from Victoria is BC-19 N, a 440 km (273.4 miles) route. It takes about 5 hours.
Take Government St to Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N for 1.2 km (0.7 miles).
Take BC-19 N to Steele Creek Rd/Upper Steel Rd in Woss and drive for 414 km (257.2 miles). Continue on Upper Steel Rd to your destination in Garden Bay. After 25.1 km (15.5 miles), you will reach Bonanza Peak.
There is no designated hiking trail to get to the Bonanza Range.
The Bonanza Range's area is home to the traditional territory of the people of Namgis First Nation. The deep and rich legends and culture of Namgis First Nation are rooted in the area and mountains.
While visiting the Bonanza Range, you would be entertained by several activities at the range and nearby Lower Tsitika River and Nimpkish Lake Provincial Parks. The range's peaks, such as Bonanza, offer an excellent climbing experience with stunning views of mountains covered with trees.
To the north side of the range, visit the beautiful Lower Tsitika River Provincial Park to be amused by fishing, cycling, and camping offered by the park. Roadways are provided for bikers to enjoy cycling in the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory. Random camping is allowed in the park with no facilities for enthusiasts to have a great time camping in the wilderness.
Nimpkish River Provincial Park and Nimpkish Lake offer enjoyable activities. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing are available outside of the park in the lake. Besides fishing in the lake and park, there are opportunities for biking, hunting, and skiing in the park, lake, and mountains' beautiful ambiance.
